Back scrubber with removable cleansing element

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to hand held implements (or applicators) for applying soaps, cleansers or other liquids. This invention further relates to implements for a user to reach his/her own back or other hard-to-reach body areas for the self-application of soaps, lotions and/or other liquids thereto. To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a scrubber device having an elongated handle having a first end and a second end being spaced longitudinally along said elongated handle, wherein the first end is adapted to being held by one or more users, and the second end comprises a brush head having a Cleansing element at its first surface and a securing mechanism at its second surface for securing the Cleansing element.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to hand held implements (or applicators)for applying soaps, cleansers or other liquids. This invention furtherrelates to implements for a user to reach his/her own back or otherhard-to-reach body areas for the self-application of soaps, lotionsand/or other liquids thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The background description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Bath brushes have been used to wash the human body for hundreds ofyears. The standard bath brush consists of a plurality of bristlesaffixed to a compact brush head. Such brushes are designed for a personto wash (or sometimes massage) portions of the body that are easy toreach, but they are difficult to use for washing other body areas, likethe back. Moreover, people who have limited mobility due to arthritis,stiffness, or other physical problems, sometimes have difficulty usingthese bath brushes to wash their feet, shoulders, or lower legs.

Back scrubbers are desirable for cleaning with ease and with minimalmovement. The use of back scrubbers is known in the prior art. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,722 to Ureta et al. discloses a shower backscrubber. However, the shower back scrubber of the Ureta '722 patentdoes not provide a removable brush, and additionally does not providecompartments for the storage of shower articles such as soap andshampoo.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,864 to Huber discloses a reversible back scrubber.However, the back scrubber of the Huber '864 patent does not provide aremovable brush, and additionally does not provide compartments for thestorage of shower articles such as soap and shampoo.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,389 to Ballares et al. discloses a nohands shower back scrubber. However, the shower back scrubber of theBallares '389 patent does not provide a removable brush, and cannotprovide compartments for the storage of shower articles such as soap andshampoo.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,824 to Dion discloses a mountable washing device.However, the mountable washing device of the Dion '824 patent does notprovide a removable brush, and additionally does not providecompartments for the storage of shower articles such as soap andshampoo.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,635 to Moore discloses a shower bath aid. However,the shower bath aid of the Moore '635 patent does not provide aremovable brush, and cannot provide compartments for the storage ofshower articles such as soap and shampoo. Lastly U.S. Pat. No. Des.400,658 to Mejia, Sr. disclose a shower back scrubber. However, theshower back scrubber of the Mejia, Sr. '658 patent does not provide aremovable scrubbing element, and does not provide compartments for thestorage of shower articles such as soap and shampoo.

A number of washing implements have been used to scrub the human body.Such washing implements include washcloths, sponges, brushes, “loofahs”and other devices. Some of these implements are helpful to scrub areasof the body that are difficult to reach, such as the human back.Unfortunately, many of these implements are made of materials thateither are not very durable, or are difficult to clean. Many of theseimplements also are not strong enough to apply a desired amount ofpressure to the skin during scrubbing.

While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particularobjectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describea back scrubber that allows scrubbing with a soothing and massagingeffect. The prior art patents make no provision for a removable brush.

In consequence, back brushes have been developed. These typicallycomprise a scrubber affixed to an elongated handle. A need thereforeexists for a new and improved back scrubber that can be used forscrubbing with a soothing and massaging effect. In this regard, thepresent invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, theback scrubber according to the present invention substantially departsfrom the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and indoing so provide an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose ofscrubbing with a soothing and massaging effect.

All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extentas if each individual publication or patent application werespecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference isinconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein,the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definitionof that term in the reference does not apply.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable orderunless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted bycontext. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein isintended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose alimitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No languagein the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups usedin the appended claims.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofback scrubber now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides an improved back scrubber, and overcomes the above-mentioneddisadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the generalpurpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequentlyin greater detail, is to provide a new and improved back scrubber whichhas all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and manynovel features that result in a back scrubber which is not anticipated,rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, eitheralone or in any combination thereof.

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of ‘a systemand method for dynamically changing investment value in an intangibleinstrument’ that is further described below in the Detailed Description.This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use indetermining/limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention relates to hand held implements (or applicators)for applying soaps, cleansers or other liquids. This invention furtherrelates to implements for a user to reach his/her own back or otherhard-to-reach body areas for the self-application of soaps, lotionsand/or other liquids thereto.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a scrubberdevice having an elongated handle having a first end and a second endbeing spaced longitudinally along said elongated handle, wherein thefirst end is adapted to being held by one or more users, and the secondend comprises a brush head having a Cleansing element at its firstsurface and a securing mechanism at its second surface for securing theCleansing element.

In an aspect, the brush head comprises a plurality of holes enabling thesecuring mechanism from the second surface to reach to the Cleansingelement at the first surface for securing the Cleansing element.

In an aspect, the securing mechanism is one or more strings. In anotheraspect, the one or more strings hold the Cleansing element against thefirst surface of the brush head.

In an aspect, the one or more strings are constructed to stretch or bedrawn tight. In yet another aspect, the one or more strings constructedto stretch are of an elastic material or bungee cord type. In yetanother aspect, the one or more strings constructed to be drawn tightare secured using a mechanical device.

In an aspect, the Cleansing element is removable. In an aspect, theCleansing element comprises any or combination of a plurality ofbristles, a sponge, diamond mesh polyethylene netting, and a suctioncup.

In an aspect, the brush head is provided at or near the second end ofthe elongated handle.

As compared to the conventional scrubbers, the scrubber device of thepresent invention has ability to wash and scrub back of the user in theshower with ease. Further, the scrubber device allows easy installationand removal of the Cleansing element into the handle to cleanse the hardparts of the body of the user. Thus, this avoids the requirement ofhaving a separate washing tool or one for each person because thescrubber device is sharable and reusable.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that thevarious aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in thepreceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following descriptionand drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may betaken independently or in any combination. Features described inconnection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unlesssuch features are incompatible.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrateexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitationof the present disclosure, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front side of a proposed scrubber device, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back side of the proposed scrubber device, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates various components on the front side of the proposedscrubber device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosuredepicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in suchdetail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount ofdetail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations ofembodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the presentinvention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatembodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some ofthese specific details.

If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”,“could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, thatparticular component or feature is not required to be included or havethe characteristic.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only forillustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those ofordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will bereadily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principlesdefined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applicationswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention,as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass bothstructural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it isintended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalentsas well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elementsdeveloped that perform the same function, regardless of structure).Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose ofdescribing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting.

Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scopeencompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalentsconsistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose ofclarity, details relating to technical material that is known in thetechnical fields related to the invention have not been described indetail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methodsembodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown inthe figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware aswell as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly,any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their functionmay be carried out through the operation of program logic, throughdedicated logic, through the interaction of program control anddedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique beingselectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinaryskill in the an further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named element.

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of thedisclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodimentswill provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description forimplementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood thatvarious changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elementswithout departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in theappended claims.

Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which forinfringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to thevarious elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending onthe context, all references below to the “invention” may in some casesrefer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will berecognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subjectmatter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable orderunless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted bycontext. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.,“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein isintended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose alimitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No languagein the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement essential to the practice of the invention.

Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term usedin a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadestdefinition persons in the pertinent art have given that term asreflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time offiling.

The present invention relates to hand held implements (or applicators)for applying soaps, cleansers or other liquids. This invention furtherrelates to implements for a user to reach his/her own back or otherhard-to-reach body areas for the self-application of soaps, lotionsand/or other liquids thereto.

The present invention relates to washing or cleaning devices, and moreparticularly to a stiff handled washing device that is especially suitedfor scrubbing the human back while showering or bathing.

The present invention relates to a back scrubber for use in connectionwith showering. The back scrubber has particular utility in connectionwith scrubbing with a soothing and massaging effect.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a back scrubber assembly(interchangeably referred to as “proposed scrubber device (100)”) isdesigned to hold a removable Cleansing element. The back scrubberassembly comprises an elongated handle and a set of strings or stringthat are elastic in nature or rigid to hold the Cleansing elementagainst the handle. The strings or cord are constructed to stretch or bedrawn tight. The strings to be stretched are to be constructed of anelastic material or bungee cord type. The strings to be drawn tight areto be constructed of a more rigid type of par cord and secured using amechanical device. The strings are to be attached to the handle throughholes in the handle and secured. This assembly is used to attach anddetach an element for the purpose of washing one's body.

In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes an elongated handle, aback assemble to attach strings and Cleansing element, a string, aCleansing element, and holes.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front side (104-A) of a proposed scrubber device(100), and FIG. 2 illustrates a back side (104-B) of the proposedscrubber device (102), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In an embodiment, the scrubber device (100) includesan elongated handle (102) having a first end (102-A) and a second end(102-B) being spaced longitudinally along said elongated handle (102).The first end (102-A) is adapted to being held by one or more users, andthe second end (102-B) comprises a brush head (104) having a Cleansingelement (not shown) at its first surface (104-A) and a securingmechanism (108) at its second surface (104-B) for securing the Cleansingelement.

In an exemplary embodiment, the brush head (104) comprises a pluralityof holes (110) enabling the securing mechanism from the second surfaceto reach to the Cleansing element at the first surface for securing theCleansing element.

In another exemplary embodiment, the brush head is provided at or nearthe second end of the elongated handle.

FIG. 3 illustrates various components on the front side of the proposedscrubber device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown, the front side (104-A) of the brush headincludes a plurality of holes (110) enabling the securing mechanism fromthe second surface to reach to the Cleansing element at the firstsurface for securing the Cleansing element. In an exemplary embodiment,the securing mechanism is one or more strings. In another exemplaryembodiment, the one or more strings hold the Cleansing element againstthe first surface of the brush head.

In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more strings are constructed tostretch or be drawn tight. In another exemplary embodiment, the one ormore strings constructed to stretch are of an elastic material or bungeecord type. In still another exemplary embodiment, the one or morestrings constructed to be drawn tight are secured using a mechanicaldevice.

In interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms shouldbe interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with thecontext. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should beinterpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in anon-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with otherelements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Wherethe specification claims refers to at least one of something selectedfrom the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should beinterpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N,or B plus N, etc.

While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustratedand described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosureis not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it wouldbe apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modificationsbesides those already described are possible without departing from theinventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations,substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not tobe restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scrubber device (100), comprising: an elongatedhandle (102) having a first end (102-A) and a second end (102-B) beingspaced longitudinally along said elongated handle (102), wherein thefirst end (102-A) is adapted to being held by one or more users, and thesecond end (102-B) comprises a brush head (104) having a removablecoupled Cleansing element at its first surface (104-A) and a securingmechanism (108) at its second surface (104-B) for securing the Cleansingelement and wherein brush head (104) comprises a plurality of holes(110) enabling the securing mechanism from the second surface to reachto the Cleansing element at the first surface for securing the Cleansingelement.
 2. The scrubber device of claim 1, wherein the securingmechanism is one or more strings.
 3. The scrubber device of claim 3,wherein the one or more strings hold the Cleansing element against thefirst surface of the brush head.
 4. The scrubber device of claim 3,wherein the one or more strings are constructed to stretch or be drawntight.
 5. The scrubber device of claim 5, wherein the one or morestrings constructed to stretch are of an elastic material or bungee cordtype.
 6. The scrubber device of claim 5, wherein the one or more stringsconstructed to be drawn tight are secured using a mechanical device. 7.The scrubber device of claim 1, wherein the Cleansing element isremovable.
 8. The scrubber device of claim 1, wherein the brush head isprovided at or near the second end of the elongated handle.
 9. Thescrubber device of claim 1, wherein the Cleansing element comprises anyor combination of a plurality of bristles, a sponge, diamond meshpolyethylene netting, and a suction cup.